Scholar | Publisher | Writer
The second installment of Black Lesbian Literary Legacies features novelist, essayist, and playwright Jewelle Gomez. I had the honor of speaking with her recently, and we talked about her prolific writing career, her work as a playwright, and her legacy as the “Aunt” of Afro-Futurism.
Read MoreMy new blog series, Black Lesbian Literary Legacies, begins with Penny Mickelbury: writer, playwright, and award-winning journalist. Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking with Penny, and she shared with me a wealth of knowledge and wisdom about writing and identity. I’m honored to share our conversation with you here.
Read MoreI had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Andrea Allen, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of BLF Press, earlier this month. Stephanie is a native southerner and out Black lesbian writer, scholar and educator, as well as the founder and editor-in-chief of BLF Press. Created in 2014 in response to the various struggles marginalized women so often face in the publishing industry, BLF Press identifies itself as an independent Black feminist press dedicated to amplifying the work of women of color. Stephanie has also co-founded the Black Lesbian Literary Collective, which seeks to cultivate a supportive writing community for queer women of color.
Lauren Garretson (LG) What led you to start BLF Press?
Stephanie Andrea Allen (SAA): I started BLF Press when I was still in graduate school working on my dissertation. I had been researching Black lesbian writers for a few years, and I came to realize that the challenges that the women faced in regards to publishing still existed (lack of diversity in publishing; the [false] notion that lesbian literature was now “mainstream;” lack of access to agents, editors, and other publishing professionals; and more than anything, the notion that our stories were somehow unworthy or had no literary merit). I decided right then that I could do something about that. I was also inspired by Lisa C. Moore, Founder and Publisher at Redbone Press, as well as Barbara Smith, who co-founded Kitchen Table Women of Color Press back in 1980 with her sister Beverly. Kitchen Table’s work changed my life, so I knew that the work of Black lesbian publishers and editors was integral to Black lesbian literary history. Still, I realized that there was great risk involved, so I spent a year researching the publishing industry and small presses and saving as much money as I could. My goal was to give us the best odds at survival, success even, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished over the past five years.
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